Paul Rishell & Annie Raines
I Want You to Know
Tone Cool 1156
visit Paul and Annies's website
also available on amazon
Beware once you put this dazzling tour de force in the player you won't get it out. There is not a weak moment on it, and repeated listening only make it shine that much brighter. Even when Annie steps to the mike to do the vocals, with what could be called an unexceptional voice, the choice of song, and the level of musicianship make it seem the appropriate voice. I don't think his singing has ever been better, and his National Steel guitar, and Electric guitar are at a pinnacle throughout this exquisite disc. Just listen to what these two do with NOTHIN' BUT THE DEVIL. Listen to their get of pre-war string-band feel when they add John Sebastian on acoustic guitar and Jay Ungar on mandolin on the title track. Maybe the full band sound, with guest guitarist Ronnie Earl, is more your style, and you want to start in with OL' HEARTBREAK. I ceased having a more favored style of music as I listen to the stellar playing on this disc. Each listen brings new wonders. I am way behind on the stack to be reviewed because I don't want to take this one off. Get it and I bet you won't be able to call me liar. I avoid picking an album of the year, but there are strong temptations with I WANT YOU TO KNOW.
Song List and Writers
1. Step It Up & Go - Blind Boy Fuller
2. I Want You to Know - Bo Carter
3. Got To Fly - Raines/Rishell
4. Yo Yo Blues - Barbecue Bob (Robert Hicks)
5. Nothin' But The Devil - Jerry West
6. Ol' Heartbreak - Raines/Rishell
7. Blues For Tampa Red - Rishell/Raines
8. I Shall Not Be Moved - Traditional
9. Funny Feeling Blues - Blind Boy Fuller
10. Mama Talk To Your Daughter - J.B. Lenoir
11. Little Dog - Rishell/Raines
12. Must Have Been The Devil - Otis Spann
13. Time Is Like a Woman - Raines/Rishell
14. Low Down Rounder - Peg Leg Howell
15. Key To The Highway - Big Bill Broonzy
16. John Henry - Traditional
Players
Paul Rishell - vocals, National Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar
Annie Raines - Harmonica, Vocals, Piano
Ronnie Earl - Electric Guitar on tracks 3,6,12
John Sebastian - Acoustic Guitar track 2
E. Duato Scheer - Washboard on track 1
Damian Purro - Bass on tracks 6,11,12
Chuck Purro - Drums on tracks 6,11,12
Jay Ungar - mandolin track 2